This was one point an an ongoing response to a comment by ObamaMama (with the RatFinK graphic) - who was continuing the old argument that 'the scaryMuslimsare evil' that they are robots - orpossessedby demons or something. I have been fighting this kind of stupid xenophobia for about 50 years. My countering argument centered around my observation that ISLAM meaning submission or surrender to God was in fact the basis of Christian Devotion as taught by the mystics and theologians of since the beginning. His response to me re-iterated his pre-judging of Islam (btw I'm a Christian not that it matters) as unique in its 'mind control' of itsadherents - leading to Jihad alaArmageddon. To counter this - I used an allegory of the Children's Crusade - where Christians were deceived through the twisting of their religion (I'm pretty sure it wasn't the Vision Boy who fleeced the faithful) into doing something stupid. I Just trying to get ObamaMama (impossible) or his readers (like you) to consider the OTHER as a human being just like themselves - by putting themselves (or theirancestors) into that OTHERS' shoes.

From: notifications@intensedebatemail.comTo: onehigginsd@hotmail.comSubject: Babs replied to your comment on Sharia in a First Amendment Society

OUTSIDE THE LAW - I See - Somewhat like when we abandoned the U.S. Constitution to live under the tyranny of a 'decider' codified by the 'Patriot' (Missile) Act - if we don't need to worry about the boundaries of some silly system of law - we can simplify the electoral process a great deal by just 'black bagging' any potential political rivals until after elections. Who needs 'investigations' if we can use any means to carve the information out of 'suspects'

You remember hearing about the Inquisition and the Crusades (Known as Operation Enduring Hatred) especially the 'Children's Crusade' where children were rounded up all over Europe - Parents told by priests that their children were being called by God - the ones who weren't sold into slavery (not many) fared about like you would expect in battle.

JOHN KENNEDY - I remember the 'hubbub' when he was running for president because many in the country were not sure that a 'papist' (Catholic) might not be under the 'secret control' of Rome. As we left our farms for the cities many of us left behind the Xenophobia of the frontier - some of us did not - like the author. This 'fear of the other' usually dissipates as one gains experience with the 'outside world' and learns that black and brown and funny talking people are not that different from Aunt Marge and Uncle Joe.

THERE ARE NO CHRISTIANS - They were a mythical group said to be followers of the teachings of Love for ones Neighbor defined as all of Humanity of a Rabbi from 2000 years ago. A roman Jew named Paul turned his teachings (along with popular folk mythology of the day) into a state religion of Rome. A religion which is no longer followed anywhere today.

FYI - The Law and basis of the United States of America is the Constitution. While I agree that Shariah Law has no place here - (or Europe but that's their problem to solve) - there is no need to display our paranoia and xenophobia to the world like the dirty laundry of American society that it is.